Angela Rayner will give new powers to local regions in devolution overhaul to help turbo-charge growth
ANGELA Rayner will give new powers to local regions to help turbo-charge growth.
The Deputy PM plans a devolution overhaul — transferring more responsibilities out of Westminster in areas such as transport, education and planning.
Whitehall wants a handover to those with “skin in the game” and let them preside over local issues, also including employment support and housing.
Only around half of the people in England benefit from devolved powers but ministers will press for more local authorities to take on extra responsibilities.
In a letter to local leaders, Ms Rayner says now is the time to “take the plunge” by working with ministers to transform regions.
She adds: “For too long, Westminster government has tightly gripped control and held back opportunities and potential for towns, cities, and villages.
“I want to work with more places to help them use these enhanced powers and roles — because I want to drive growth in every part of the country.”
Mayors have played a part in bringing in new investment to regional areas — including transport in Greater Manchester and Boeing to South Yorkshire.
Outlining the new policy, Ms Rayner has written to all council leaders who run county and unitary councils not currently subject to a devolution deal.
Around 30 bills setting out the new Government’s agenda will be in the King’s Speech tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will today say that a confident, outward-looking UK is “open for business” at the G7 trade ministers’ meeting in Italy.